A room with a view, or a room with a moo?
Actually you can have both if you're one of Martin Bennett's lucky dairy cows.
The Friesians and Ayrshires on his Devon organic farm really enjoy the view with their novel see-through wall.
When it comes to farm building design, aesthetics rarely play an important role – it's all about functionality.
But Mr Bennett has taken an unusual approach to protect the stunning views across his land, by installing a see-through wall on the end of his cow shed.
Mr Bennett and his wife Liz milk 240 organic dairy cows at Lane End Farm, Broadhembury, and are passionate about the rolling hills on which they live.
So when they extended their dairy building, they tried to find a way to retain those views.
"Originally the shed was open at the end, but we wanted to extend it and put in cubicles, so had to put up a wall to prevent the rain coming in," Mr Bennett explained.
"With such a fabulous view across the valley we didn't want to lose that. Initially we looked at putting perspex up, but then we discovered Highlight – a perforated metal wall that you can see through, so we went for that instead.
Not only can you see straight through it, but it also provides good ventilation."
He put the building up himself, and found it very easy to install the Highlight along the 100-foot gable end of the shed.
"It's very light and easy to erect – and it doesn't rust at all."
As the Bennetts spend plenty of time working in the shed, a pleasant environment is important for both them and their cows, they feel.
And good ventilation is essential for animal health.
Mr Bennett added: "It's absolutely brilliant to be able to see across our farm when working with the cows in the shed.
"And the cows like to lie up that end of the shed with the view. It's just lovely for them."
